(Brampton) - To date, 49 dead birds in Peel have been collected and tested
for the West Nile virus. None of these birds have tested positive. Two dead
birds collected in Windsor and Oakville are presumed positive for the virus.

"The risk of human infection remains low," says Dr. David McKeown,
Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel. "While there are
currently no reports of the West Nile virus in birds collected in Peel,
it does appear that infected birds have reached the GTA."

Peel Health has been actively involved in a provincial surveillance program
to detect the West Nile virus in birds since spring 2000. Other Health departments
across Ontario have also been participating in similar programs.

Residents of Peel should take these precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito
bites.

Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET. For adults, look for repellents
containing 35 per cent DEET. Children should wear a repellent with no more
than 6 to 10 per cent DEET.

Drain any areas of standing or stagnant water on your property. Remove
old tires, turn over pails, toys and wheelbarrows, and frequently change
the water in birdbaths. Also, keep your eavestroughs clear to avoid trapped
water.

Take extra precaution at dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is particularly
high.

Further information on West Nile virus, tips to reduce mosquito breeding
areas, advice on personal protection from mosquito bites and details on
how to report dead birds can be found at www.peel-bugbite.ca
or by calling Health Line Peel at 905-799-7700.